The troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have made a significant breakthrough in their ongoing operation, Hakorin Damisa IV. During the operation, a gun manufacturing factory was discovered in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the recovery of a wide range of weapons.
The success of this operation was the result of a week-long intelligence gathering effort, which ultimately led to the capture of a notorious gunrunner known as Napoleon John. John had been on the wanted list of Operation SAFE HAVEN for some time. Upon his arrest, he confessed to his involvement in the illicit trade and subsequently led the troops to a concealed factory.
The factory, operated by an individual named Monday Dunia, has been in operation for over five years, fueling the crisis in Kaduna and neighboring Plateau States. A thorough search of the factory yielded the seizure of 22 different weapons, including pistols, locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, military-grade AK 47 rifles, revolvers, a submachine gun, and various types of ammunition. Additional items found at the site included machine tools and a gas cylinder.
In a follow-up operation, troops raided a hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan during the early hours of Friday, 22 September 2023. The raid resulted in the confiscation of two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of ammunition, dangerous daggers, an axe, empty rounds, mobile phones, jackets, uniforms, military equipment, masks, identity cards, gunpowder, charms, and amulets. Machine tools and other equipment were also recovered. Although the primary suspect is still at large, efforts are underway to apprehend them.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH commended the troops for their dedication and resilience in carrying out the operation. He pledged to apprehend all members of the syndicate who are currently on the run and ensure they face the full force of the law.
He issued a stern warning to both sponsors and perpetrators of criminal activities, urging them to abandon their unlawful ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood. General Abdulsalam Abubakar expressed his appreciation to the general public for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality. He encouraged them to continue providing actionable information to the troops, assuring them of utmost secrecy and confidentiality.
It is important to note that the GOC/Commander OPSH had previously issued a strong warning to criminals during a stakeholders’ engagement with traditional and religious leaders held on 10 September 2023 in Zangon Kataf.
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